History of Kanzen Ryu Karate

 
Kanzen means “perfect” method. The name of the discipline is Kanzen Ryu. The name of the style of karate means “perfect way".

Kanzen Kai is the name of the organisation through which this teaching is offered to students.

During the time that the style of Kanzen Ryu was developed I had studied many different styles of karate and other martial arts styles for decades.

My whole aim was to create a style with no limitation, no weak point.

It is wider in scope because it encompasses all the techniques of the Koreans and Okinawans, the hand techniques of Japan, and the sweeping techniques. The art of sweeping in this style is the most complete and systematic that exists. We have three categories of sweeping techniques for the attacker and two for the blocker. These can be done in many different combinations.

No other style goes into such great detail.

Although our style and teaching methods are very unique, we still follow the universally accepted principles and philosophy of karate.

Kanzen Ryu is essential the evolution and syntheses of:
Shorinji Ryu (Kori Hisataka) because of its emphasis on the practical aspects of karate. The full contract Kumite wearing kendo armour and no hand or foot protection necessitates very good development and use of the proper contact points
Wado Ryu (H. Ohtsuka) because of the fluidity and the use of lateral motion s in defence – emphasis is more on body and leg work to neutralise the attacking
Goju Ryu (G Yamaguchi) because of its emphasis on speed and consequently small fighting stances and stress on mobility – use of front leg in attacking
Ishin Ryu 9T. Shimabuku) totally realistic approach to fighting – with the exception of eye gouging etc. – all other techniques are allowed – no protection on the body, head or legs

Kanzen Ryu is a systematic categorization of offensive-defensive techniques and tactics. It emphasizes the application of theory to practice suck as the Go No Sen, Sen No Sen, Go No Sen No Sen and Tae No Sen Principles. While most authentic styles acknowledge these principles, they do not sufficiently stress the importance of their application.

Kanzen Ryu, on the other hand, not only stresses strongly these principles in Kumite but also, continues to evolve and seek new and effective offensive and defensive techniques and tactics:

In other words evolution and fluidity are the essences of our style.

Leg sweep or Ashi Barai in Kanzen Ryu has become a very systematic and effective art. Kanzen Ryu is a “soft” style relying on lateral body movements, Tae Sabaki, and leg movements , Ashi Sabaki to neutralize the attack and counter rather than relying on “hard” head on collisions.

A perfect balance of the hands and the legs, with no weak points, is essential. While other styles heavily favour the use of the legs at the expense of the hands and vice-a-versa.

Kanzen Ryu is also the first style to emphasize cross training and emphasizes the importance of power building.

Instructors of other styles thought weight training could slow you down. Now, even sprinters rely on strengthening exercises using very heavy weight to develop power, coupled with power to speed conversion.

Kanzen Ryu of its EVOLUTIONARY approach to teaching and its unprecedented achievements prove it.

No other Karate style in the past twenty years has won more provincial, national and international competitions then Kanzen Ryu.

WRITTEN BY:

Nanshi Farhad Varasteh
10th Dan Kanzen Ryu Karate
Canada